A non-governmental organization, Christabel’s Initiative has told the joint Committee on Narcotic drugs of the upper and lower legislative Chambers that evils being perpetrated in Nigeria today were psychotropic related.
Convener of the organization, Christabel Regan Okoye said Nigeria was breaking a record on drug abuse and trafficking in persons, saying decision must be taken to tackle the menace for saner society.
Speaking at a joint committee hearing on Tuesday in Abuja, Okoye told Parliamentarians that drugs menace must first be tackled before tackling social vices of trafficking, rape, Boko Haram, adding that drugs and social vices are inseparable.
According to him, the NGO got involved in drugs campaign because the war on drug abuse and trafficking has become a general war.
She lamented the huge casualties in human and material resources associated with drug-related attacks, particularly among the youths, insisting that lawmakers must act before it gets late.
“The war of drug abuse and trafficking has become a general war which has brought all of us together in seeking the best way to bring it to zero tolerance. The ills have destroyed unaccountable lives, especially that of the youths.
“Nigeria as a country has suffered so many loss of lives and dignity due to the involvement of well-meaning Nigerians abusing and trafficking in drugs. We all know that the catalyst to violence, Boko Haram, herdsmen and farmers clashes, bandits and so many communal wars are as a result of drug abuse.”
Reacting in an interview after the session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who was represented by Hon. Ado Doguwa said drug abuse was a serious offence that should deserve a heavy penalty.
He said the lower Chamber would cooperate with all relevant stakeholders to tame the tide of drug abuse in Nigeria.
